Repeatability and reliability of the footwear assessment tool in Spanish patients: A transcultural adaptation.

BACKGROUND: The footwear assessment tool was designed to advise an appropriate footwear for each situation and patient. Footwear alterations structures can influence in musculoskeletal disorders, developing foot ulcers, increase the peak plantar pressure, bacterial growth, low back pain. METHODS: To validate the study 101 subjects were recruited. The study was tested by two expert podiatrists using the tool for the assessment of footwear characteristics that is composed by five domains, fit, general features, general structure, motion control properties and cushioning system. Each domain analyzes different shoe items. RESULTS: An excellent agreement between the test-retest. A suitable Cronbach's α was suggested for the five domains of fit (α = 0.952), general features (α = 0.953), general structure (α = 0.947), motion control properties (α = 0.951), and cushioning system (α = 0.951). Test-retest reliability was excellent for all domains. There were no significant differences between any domain (p > 0.05). There was only statistically significant difference in the item forefoot height (p = 0.011). For all the domains items there were no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tool for the assessment European footwear is a suitable repeatability and reliability footwear tool that can be used in Spanish language subjects.

Influence on Depression, Anxiety, and Satisfaction of the Relatives' Visit to Intensive Care Units prior to Hospital Admission for Elective Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) may produce stress on the relatives of patients that have long-term physiological and psychological implications. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the relatives´ visit prior to hospital admission(s) on the patient's scheduled cardiac surgery regarding depression, anxiety, and satisfaction of the patient's family in an ICU. Methods: A randomized clinical trial [NCT03605420] was carried out according to the CONSORT criteria. Thirty-eight relatives of ICU patients were recruited at an ICU and randomized into study groups. Experimental group participants (n = 19) consisted of relatives who received 1 ICU visit prior to the patient's admission. Control group participants (n = 19) consisted of patients' relatives who received standard care alone. A self-report test battery, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), was completed by the patient's relative prior to the patient's ICU admission and again three and 90 days after ICU discharge. Furthermore, the Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) and Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) were administered to help determine the respondents' satisfaction three days after the patient's ICU discharge. Results: Statistically significant differences in FS-ICU results were found between control and experimental groups; no statistically significant differences were found in IES-R, HADS, and CCFNI results. Thus, members in the control group were more satisfied with the time elapsed to raise their concerns (p=0.005), emotional support provided (p=0.020), quality of care (p=0.035), opportunities to express concerns and ask questions (p=0.005), and general satisfaction with the ICU's decision-making (p=0.003). Conclusions: Relatives' satisfaction during patients' ICU admission may be impaired after their prior visit to the hospital admission. Relative's anxiety and depression scores did not seem to be significantly affected. Relatives´ visit prior to elective cardiac surgery hospital admission impaired their satisfaction in an ICU and may not be advisable for healthcare practice.

Effect of foot health and quality of life in patients with Parkinson disease: A prospective case-control investigation.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by the presence of motor disturbances. Therefore, it can be related to musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems, particularly in the foot status, that are linked to a negative effect on overall health, mobility and social function. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyse the impact of foot health and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease and people without Parkinson's disease, with normalised reference scores, in the light of the values recorded with regard to foot health status and overall health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective case-control investigation. A sample of Parkinson's patients (n = 62) including 24 men and 38 women was recruited, and foot HQoL was measured using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire Spanish (Sp_FHSQ). RESULTS: The PD group recorded lower levels of foot health quality of life (HQoL) with lower scores on the Sp_FHSQ in general foot health, general health, physical activity, social capacity and vigour sub-scales. Regarding the rest of the sub-scales of the Sp_FHSQ, foot pain showed higher values in the PD group. Differences between the cases and control groups were analysed by means of a Mann-Whitney U test, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PD presents an increased negative impact on foot health and quality of life which appears to be related to the chronic neurodegenerative disease.

Repeatability and reliability of the diabetic foot self-care questionnaire in Arabic patients: A transcultural adaptation.

PURPOSE: The diabetic foot self-care questionnaire is considered a self-care evaluation tool with 16 questions for assessing diabetic foot health disorders. To date, the DFSQ has been validated in different languages, but an Arabic version was lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Arabic version of the DFSQ (DFSQ-AR). METHOD: A suitable method was developed for the translation protocol and cross-cultural validation from Spanish to Arabic. Regarding the total marks from each sub-scale, agreement degrees and confidence were analyzed using Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. In addition, the mean ± standard deviation differences between pre and post-tests were calculated and completed using Bland-Altman distribution plots. RESULTS: Excellent agreement between the two versions was demonstrated based on Cronbach's α. Three sub-scales consisting of knowledge of foot hygiene, the appropriate use of footwear and socks, and podiatric self-care were added together to obtain the total score. Excellent retest reliability was shown for the total score. Test/retest reliability was excellent for the self-care and shoe and socks sub-scales. There were no significant differences among any domains (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences (P = 0.000) for the mean ± standard deviations (SD) between pre- and post-tests (98.09 ± 15.42) [93.75-102.43] and 97.96 ± 13.88 [94.5-101.86] points, respectively). Bland-Altman plots or clinically pertinent variations were not statistically significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The DFSQ-AR is considered a strong and valid questionnaire with adequate repeatability in the Arabic language population.

Impact of chronic kidney diseases in feet health & quality of life: A case-series study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is examine Quality of Life in subjects with chronic kidney disease utilizing Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 101 subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was studied in specialized clinics, in Extremadura (Spain). An observational descriptive study. The FHSQ was utilized to assess specific foot health (first section) and overall health (second division). The differences between clumps they were assessed using a t-test to independent samples. RESULTS: 59.40% (n = 60) were men and 40.59% (n = 41) women. The mean age was 68.77 ± 14.07. In first division of the FHSQ, a less score was registered in footwear domain (39.25) and in general foot health domain (46.37). In second division, less scores were resulted in general health domain (72) and vigour domain (60.43). CKD women got less scores in every domain. Women with CKD obtained significantly less scores in dimensions of foot pain, foot function, footwear, general foot health, general health and physical activity and there was no difference contrasted with men in the dimensions of social capacity and vigour. CONCLUSIONS: The studied CKD population has problems their feet. Quality of life of CKD subjects is negatively impacted by health of their feet, difficulties with footwear, their overall health, and lack of vitality. Women with CKD show lower values of quality of life contrasted to male patients, associated with inability to perform physical activity, lack of energy and tiredness.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of Italian Selfcare diabetic foot questionnaire.

The Italian Selfcare diabetic foot questionnaire, (SDFQ-IT) is considered a diabetic foot self-care evaluation tool with 16 questions for assessing diabetic foot health disorders. To date, SDFQ has been validated in different languages, but an Italian version was lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Italian version of the SDFQ-IT (SDFQ-IT). A suitable method was developed for the translation protocol and cross-cultural validation from Spanish to Italian. Regarding the total marks from each sub-scale, agreement degrees, and confidence were analysed using the Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. In addition, the mean ± SD differences between pre and post-tests were calculated and completed using the Bland and Altman distribution plots. Excellent agreement between the two versions based on Cronbach's α was demonstrated. Three sub-scales consisting of knowledge of foot hygiene, the appropriate use of footwear and socks, and podiatric self-care were added together to obtain the total score. Excellent retest reliability was shown for the total score. Test/retest reliability was excellent for the self-care domain, and shock and shoe sub-scales. There were no significant differences among any domain (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences (P = .000) for the mean ± SDs differences between pre-and post-tests (92.9200 ± 12.914) [89.25-96.59] and 92.9200 ± 13.012 [89.22-96.62] points, respectively). Bland and Altman plots or clinically pertinent variations were not statistically significantly different. The SDFQ-IT is considered a strong and valid questionnaire with adequate repeatability in the Italian community.

Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Kinesiophobia Are Presented in Athletes who Suffer from Gastrocnemius Chronic Myofascial Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and predict kinesiophobia and fear avoidance beliefs between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and healthy athletes. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Fifty athletes were divided into athletes with chronic gastrocnemius MPS (N = 25) and healthy athletes (N = 25). METHODS: Kinesiophobia symptoms total and domain scores (harm and activity avoidance) and levels were determined by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (physical and working activities) were measured by the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). RESULTS: Significant differences (P < 0.05) with a large effect size (d = 0.81-4.22) were found between both groups, with greater kinesiophobia symptom scores for the TSK-11 activity avoidance domain and total scores, and greater fear avoidance beliefs scores for the FABQ physical and working activities domains and total scores of athletes with gastrocnemius MPS with respect to healthy athletes. TSK-11 total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.256) based on the FABQ total score. The FABQ total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.741) based on gastrocnemius MPS presence (R2 = 0.665), levels of kinesiophobia (R2 = 0.052), and height (R2 = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Greater kinesiophobia levels, greater total and activity avoidance domain scores (but not for the harm domain), and greater fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (work and physical activity) were shown for athletes with gastrocnemius MPS vs healthy athletes. Higher kinesiophobia symptoms were predicted by greater fear avoidance beliefs in athletes. Greater fear avoidance beliefs were predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius MPS, higher levels of kinesiophobia, and lower height in athletes.

Effectiveness of Deep Dry Needling vs Ischemic Compression in the Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Shortened Triceps Surae from Triathletes on Ankle Dorsiflexion, Dynamic, and Static Plantar Pressure Distribution: A Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediate efficacy of a single session of deep dry needling (DDN) vs ischemic compression (ICT) in a latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) of the shortened triceps surae from triathletes for ankle dorsiflexion and redistribution of plantar pressures and stability. DESIGN: A randomized simple blind clinical trial (NCT03273985). SETTING: An outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Thirty-four triathletes with a latent MTrP in the shortened gastrocnemius. METHODS: Triathletes were randomized to receive a single session of DDN (N = 17) or ICT (N = 17) in a latent MTrP of the shortened triceps surae. The primary outcome was ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) by a universal goniometer. Secondary objectives were distribution of dynamic and static plantar pressures by T-Plate platform pressure, with measurements both before and after five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes of treatment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) for ankle dorsiflexion ROM or dynamic and static plantar pressures between the experimental group treated with DDN and the control group treated with ICT before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: DDN vs ICT carried out in latent MTrPs of the shortened gastrocnemius of triathletes did not present differences in terms of dorsiflexion ROM of the tibiofibular-talar joint or in static and dynamic plantar pressure changes before and immediately after treatment.

Foot health-related quality of life in hemophiliacs: A case-control study.

Background: Haemophilia is considered as a chronic genetic disease related with alteration in coagulation mechanism which affects to health related quality of life (HQoL). Purpose: The goal compared marks of HQoL, in haemophiliacs with respect non haemophilic subjects. Methods: A population of 74 subjects, were recruited from association of haemophilic illness separated in haemophilic subjects (n = 37) and no haemophilic (n = 37). For subjects who suffered haemophilia were enlisted from the association of haemophilic illness after a seminar of 45 minutes to them and to their relatives about foot health. Control subjects, were recruited from their relatives who live with the patient. The marks of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire Spanish S_FHSQ sub-scales were recompiled. Results: All S_FHSQ domains as foot pain, foot function, tootwear, general foot health, general health, physical activity and social capacity showed lower scores in the haemophilic than non-haemophilic group (P <0.01) except for vigour (P = 0.173). Regarding the rest sub-scale marks of S_FHSQ, showed no significant difference P <0.01. Conclusion: Subjects with a haemophilia showed significant worse foot QoL in all S_FHSQ domains except vigour domain compared with non-haemophilic subjects.

Pressure and Traction Technique Improves Postural Control More Than Tactile Stimulation in Foot Plantar Fascia: A Randomized Single-Blind Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To check the acute effects of manual pressure and traction technique on balance and plantar footprint variables. DESIGN: A single-blind clinical study with 2 groups. SETTING: Private practice. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy participants (N=40; 28 female and 12 male) were recruited to carry out a single-blind study. INTERVENTIONS: Experimental group performed a bilateral plantar fascia manual pressure and traction technique. Control group performed a tactile stimulation. The position of the participant, the therapist, and the time of application of the techniques (5min) were the same for both interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured stabilometry variables and static footprint. The footprint variables were divided in rear, middle, and front foot areas. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in stabilometry variables. There was an improvement in experimental group at X displacement with eyes open (P=.014) and surface eyes closed (P=.046) variables. CONCLUSIONS: After technique the experimental group improved the stabilometry variables, specifically surface with eyes closed and X displacement with eyes open. The static footprint variables have not shown differences after the technique compared with the control group.

QardioArm Blood Pressure Monitoring in a Population With Type 2 Diabetes: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Home blood pressure monitoring has many benefits, even more so, in populations prone to high blood pressure, such as persons with diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to validate the QardioArm mobile device in a sample of individuals with noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes in accordance with the guidelines of the second International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension. METHODS: The sample consisted of 33 patients with type 2 diabetes. To evaluate the validity of QardioArm by comparing its data with that obtained with a digital sphygmomanometer (Omron M3 Intellisense), two nurses collected diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate with both devices. RESULTS: The analysis indicated that the test device QardioArm met all the validation requirements using a sample population with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This paper reports the first validation of QardioArm in a population of individuals with noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. QardioArm for home monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate met the requirements of the second International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension.

Cross-cultural adaptation, translation, and validation of the Spanish Foot and Ankle Outcome Score questionnaire.

The Spanish Foot and Ankle Outcome Score questionnaire (FAOS-S) may be considered a health evaluation tool with 42 questions for assessing foot health disorders. To date, FAOS has been validated in different languages, but a Spanish version was lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Spanish version of the FAOS (FAOS es). A suitable method was developed for the translation protocol and cross-cultural validation from Swedish to Spanish. Regarding the total marks from each domain, agreement degrees and confidence were analysed using the Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. In addition, the mean ± SD differences between pretest and posttests were calculated and completed using of the Bland and Altman distribution plots. Excellent agreement between the two versions based on Cronbach's α was demonstrated. Five domains consisting of pain, symptoms of foot disorders, activities of daily living, sports and recreation, and foot and ankle quality of life were added together to obtain the total score. Excellent retest reliability was shown for the total score. Test/retest reliability was excellent for the pain, stiffness, other foot disorder-related symptoms, and quality of life domains. There were no significant differences among any domain (P > .05). There were no statistically significant differences (P = .000) for the mean ± SD differences between pretest and posttests (56.2524 ± 19.064 [51.98-60.52] and 57.45 ± 21.02 [52.74-62.16] points, respectively). Bland and Altman plots or clinically pertinent variations were not statistically significantly different. The FAOS is considered a strong and valid questionnaire with adequate repeatability in the Spanish community.

QardioArm Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor Against Omron M3 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Validation Study According to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision 2010.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is considered as a main risk factor for chronic kidney disease development and progression. Thus, the control and evaluation of this disease with new software and devices are especially important in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the QardioArm mobile device, which is used for blood pressure (BP) self-measurement in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease, by following the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol 2 (ESH-IP2) guidelines. METHODS: A validation study was carried out by following the ESH-IP2 guidelines. A sample of 33 patients with chronic kidney disease self-measured their BP by using the QardioArm and Omron M3 Intellisense devices. Heart rate (HR), diastolic BP, and systolic BP were measured. RESULTS: The QardioArm fulfilled the ESH-IP2 validation criteria in patients who suffered from chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, this study is considered as the first validation using a wireless upper arm oscillometric device connected to an app to measure BP and HR meeting the ESH-IP2 requirements in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease. New validation studies following the ESH-IP2 guidelines should be carried out using different BP devices in patients with specific diseases.

Heel Height as an Etiology of Hallux Abductus Valgus Development: An electromagnetic Static and Dynamic First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Study.

Background: Hallux abductus valgus (HAV) is a forefoot condition produced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Shoes with a high heel height and a typical narrow tip toe box can induce deviations in both the proximal phalanx of the hallux (PPH) and the first metatarsal (IMTT) bones. Nevertheless, the isolated role of heel height remains unclear in the development of HAV pathology. Objectives: The goal was to determine if the heel height increase of shoes without a narrow box toe could augment the PPH and IMTT deviation in frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes toward the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) and the first metatarsocuneiform joint (MCJ), respectively, during static and dynamic conditions in relation to precursor movements of HAV. Methods: Women with an average age of 25.10 ± 4.67 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study to assess the three planes of motion of PPH and IMTT while wearing high heels with heights at 3, 6, 9 cm and unshod conditions via sandals. The measurements used an electromagnetic goniometer device with sensors placed on medial aspects of the PPH and IMTT bones under static and dynamic conditions. Results: Wearing shoes with a 6 cm heel in dynamic condition may increase the PPH valgus and abduction deviation from 3.15 ± 0.10° to 3.46 ± 0.05° (p < 0.05) and from 1.35 ± 0.28° to 1.69 ± 0.30° (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, a PPH abduction increase from 1.01 ± 0.36° to 1.31 ± 0.46° (p < 0.05) after wearing shoes with a 6 cm heel height was observed under static conditions. Conclusions: Wearing shoes with a heel height of 6 cm without a narrow box toe interference may produce PPH abduction and valgus deviations related to HAV formation.

Quality of life improvement in aged patients after toenail surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients of all ages can develop nail disorders, such as onychocryptosis, which are recurrent and painful conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life in a group of aged patients with recurrent and painful ingrown toenails before and after chemical nail surgery to treat onychocryptosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study design utilized a presurgery and a postsurgery questionnaire and examined prospective serial cases. The participants were drawn from an outpatient podiatric clinic from 1 January 2015 to 29 August 2016. The final sample of patients (>65 years old) underwent nail surgery with chemical matricectomy using phenol. In addition to the chemical nail surgical procedure, the patients completed the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and the Borg CR-10 scale category ratio (CR) within 4 weeks prior to surgery. The patients completed both questionnaires again through mailing 3 months postsurgery. RESULTS: Lower MOXFQ scores were noted after surgery, demonstrating an improvement in quality of life after chemical nail surgery. Men and women exhibited similar results (p > 0.05), with the exception of the Borg CR-10 scale where women reported more residual pain compared with men, with scores of 1.26 ± 1.65 and 0.09 ± 0.20, respectively (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: After a chemical nail surgery procedure, the quality of life improved in aged patients with recurrent and painful ingrown toenails.

Relationship between depression scores and degree of skin perspiration: A novel cross-sectional study.

Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is a common pathological condition related to excessive sweating. It may be associated with depression. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to analyse and compare depression scores between subjects without PH (degree-I) and patients with PH (degrees-II, -III, and -IV). The secondary aim was to describe and compare depression scores among subjects with different PH degrees (I-without perceptible perspiration, II-tolerable perspiration, III-hardly tolerable perspiration, and IV-intolerable perspiration). A sample of 100 subjects with a median age of 23.00 ± 6.00 years was recruited from an outpatient medical centre, where medical history data were registered. The degree of PH was determined using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale from degrees I (mild) to IV (very severe). The depression scores were analysed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed for higher BDI scores in the patients with PH (degrees II, III, and IV) than in those without PH (degree-I). Kruskal-Wallis tests demonstrated statistically significant differences for BDI scores (P < 0.001), with higher values for degree-III with respect to degree-I and degree-IV with respect to degree-I. Patients with a greater degree (especially III/IV) of PH showed higher BDI scores compared with subjects without PH.

Specific foot health-related quality-of-life impairment in patients with type II versus type I diabetes.

The aims of this research were to evaluate and compare the effect in a matched sample of patients with type II and type I diabetes scores using a specific quality-of-life (QoL) tool related to overall and foot health (Foot Health Status Questionnaire [FHSQ]). A sample of 62 patients with an age median of 59.00 ± 19.00 y were divided into type I (n = 31) and type II (n = 31) diabetes groups. Socio-demographics data include: (1) age, (2) gender, (3) body mass index, (4) professional activity, (5) study level, and (6) civil status. The FHSQ was used to evaluate foot (pain, function, footwear, and general health section I domains) and overall (general health, social capacity, physical activity, and vigour section II domains) health related to QoL. Differences between groups were assessed by means of a t test or Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) for any socio-demographic data. Regarding the FHSQ section II of the specific foot health-related QoL, the only statistically significant differences (P = 0.042) were observed for the general foot health showing a QoL impairment (lower median ± interquartile range) in patients diagnosed with type II diabetes (60.00 ± 60.00 points) compared with patients who suffered from type I diabetes (25.00 ± 72.50 points). The other domains did not show any statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Patients with type II diabetes present a negative impact on the specific foot health-related QoL compared with patients who suffered from type I diabetes.

Ultrasonography effectiveness of the vibration vs cryotherapy added to an eccentric exercise protocol in patients with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: A randomised clinical trial.

Tendinopathy is a very common disease in the general population as well as in athletes. The aim of the present study was to examine the tendon thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) in subjects with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) who engaged in either an eccentric exercise (EE) programme with vibration training or an EE programme combined with cryotherapy. A sample of 61 patients with chronic mid-portion AT were recruited and divided into two groups: EE programme vibration training (n = 30) and EE programme combined with cryotherapy (n = 31). Three ultrasound assessments were performed: pre-intervention and at 4, and at 12 weeks. The comparison of thickness and CSA measures at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase at 0, 2, 4, and 6 cm in maximal isometric contraction and at rest in subjects with chronic mid-portion AT. The EE vibration training resulted in a statistically significant CSA increase compared with the cryotherapy group in patients with chronic mid-portion AT.

Concurrent Validity of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire and Study Short Form 36 for Measuring the Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Foot Problems.

Background and Objectives: Foot problems may be considered to be a prevalent condition and impact the health-related quality of life (QoL). Considering these Spanish-validated tools, the Foot Health Status questionnaire (FHSQ) may provide a health-related QoL measurement for specific foot conditions and general status. To date, the domains of the FHSQ and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) have not been correlated. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to correlate the domains of the FHSQ and SF-36 in patients with foot problems. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. A sample of 101 patients with foot problems was recruited. A single researcher collected descriptive data, and outcome measurements (FHSQ and SF-36) were self-reported. Results: Spearman's correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated and categorized as weak (rs = 0.00-0.40), moderate (rs = 0.41-0.69), or strong (rs = 0.70-1.00). In all analyses, statistical significance was considered with a p-value < 0.01 with a 99% confidence interval. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between all domains of FHSQ and SF-36, except for the mental health domain of the SF-36 with foot pain, foot function, and general foot health of the FHSQ, as well as between the vitality domain of the SF-36 and the general foot health domain of the FHSQ (p > 0.01). Statistically significant correlations varied from week to strong (rs = 0.25-0.97). The strongest correlations (p < 0.001) were found for physical activity and physical function (rs = 0.94), vigor and vitality (rs = 0.89), social capacity and social function (rs = 0.97), and general health domains of the SF-36 and FHSQ. Conclusions: The FHSQ and SF-36 showed an adequate concurrent validity, especially for the physical activity or function, vigor or vitality, social capacity or function, and general health domains. Nevertheless, the mental health domain of the SF-36 should be considered with caution.

Relationship of Depression Scores and Ranges in Women Who Suffer From Fibromyalgia by Age Distribution: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia may be defined as a chronic widespread pain condition that generates a functional impairment with various symptoms, such as depression. PURPOSE: The main aim of this research was to compare the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and depression ranges in women who suffered from fibromyalgia with respect to healthy controls, overall and by age distributions. METHODS: A case-control observational study was performed. Two hundred women with a mean age of 58.61 ± 15.65 years old were recruited. The women were divided into case (women with fibromyalgia) and control (healthy women) groups. The BDI scores and depression ranges were collected. RESULTS: The depression ranges and BDI scores mean ± SD showed statistically significant differences (p < .001) between participants with fibromyalgia (19.30 ± 11.21 points; moderate depression) and healthy controls (6.37 ± 5.35 points; no depression). Regarding the age distributions, statistically significant differences were shown between fibromyalgia and control groups for adults (p < .001; 19.06 ± 6.55 vs. 4.69 ± 4.48 points) and older adults (p = .001; 20.25 ± 13.79 vs. 7.63 ± 5.47 points), respectively. ANOVA of the BDI scores with two factors and interaction (fibromyalgia presence and age distribution) determined no interaction between the two factors (p = .534) and statistically significant differences of BDI scores for fibromyalgia presence (p < .001; R2  = 35.50%), but not for age distribution (p = .144). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Measurable differences in higher BDI scores and depression ranges were shown in women who suffered from fibromyalgia with respect to healthy controls, regardless of age distribution. Greater probabilities (odds ratio = 15.88) of suffering from some level of depression (according to BDI scores) were found in women with fibromyalgia in comparison with healthy women. Although these findings did not seem to be influenced by age distribution, interventions targeting depression in practice, research, policy, management, or education must equally include adult and older adult women who suffer from fibromyalgia.